East Mids exports 'at record levels'
Exports from East Midlands companies have hit £13bn over the past nine months, the highest level for four years.
That's according to latest figures released by HM Revenue & Customs which reveal that exports for the nine months to September 2011 were at their highest level since 2007.
If the trend continues, exports could exceed £17bn by the end of December 2011, the report suggested.
Figures over the past year show an increase of more than 14 per cent (£2.4bn) while imports have grown 12.7 per cent (£2bn). This left the region with a trade deficit of £574m over the year.
The third quarter of the year saw exports reach almost £4.4bn which brings the total for the year so far up to £13bn. The previous quarter's export figures were £4.15bn.
Peter Hogarth, regional director for UK Trade & Investment East Midlands, said: "This is the highest rate of exports since the economic downturn. We are still on track to hit over £17nn as firms across the East Midlands embrace the opportunities available overseas. This positive attitude to exporting is exactly what is going to help the region to grow."
